Chris was a beloved son, brother, grandson, friend, teammate, and hero to all who knew him. He galliantly won his battle against acute lymphoblastic leukemia this afternoon as he met his Savior and passed quietly into eternity. He was diagnosed in July 2005 and was improving until he relapsed in March. From an early age, Chris was an energetic, happy child, one who never met a stranger. He loved people and always sought to please others and make them happy. This caring quality remained with him, even at his death. He matured into a respectful Christian young man, who cherished his family, friends, coaches, and football team mates. He touched an entire community of people through his hope, determination and strength. Chris lived his life the way that a true Champion should, with honor, faith and courage. Chris was a member of the 2006 Northside High School AAAA Georgia State Championship football team, as Defensive Lineman number 96. His team supported his battle the entire season while wearing his number "96" on their helmets and he joined them on the field as often as possible. His coaches started, "Quarters for Chris" to help raise money to support Chris in his fight with leukemia, and most recently a "powder puff" game was held for Chris and his family to raise money for their ongoing medical expenses. Chris was so loved in the community, that during the opening ceremonies game against the rival city team last fall, the rival team gave him a standing ovation as his teammates wheeled him onto the field. He was a rising senior, class of 2008 at Northside High School in Warner Robins and a true friend to all who knew him. He is so very loved and will be deeply missed!! He is survived by his parents, Ovie and Pat Johnson of Bonaire, Ga.; brothers Brian Johnson and Kerry Johnson of Bonaire, Ga., and Carlos Wilson of Macon, Ga.; Grandfather, Robert Eugene Mercer, of Macon, Ga.; devoted aunts Dianne Scott (Alexander), Elvira Gaines, Kay Braswell Vaughan (James), Lorene Harris, and great-aunt Estelle Schofield, all of Macon, Ga., Pearline Gunn of Atlanta; Ozera Denson of Newark NJ; Annie Shefield of Chicago, Il.; nephews Antonio Wilson, Amir Wilson, and Bryan Johnson, Jr.; best friend Lauren Parker; and a host of aunts and unlces, cousins, additional family members, friends, coaches and team members who love him and will keep him close in their hearts forever. "Chris was more than just 'Number 96' on our roster," his head coach Conrad Nix said. "He was loved by the entire community." Chris' teammates now wear his number "96" across their heart in his honor. Chris has recently been awarded the "Red Cross Heroes Award" posthumonously, with his parents accepting the honor on his behalf. A scholarship has been established in Chris' name, "The Christopher Johnson Youth Hero Award" to be awarded annually. His parents, family and many teammates and friends continue to raise money and awareness for bone marrow transplants, raising over $10,000 in donations this football season alone. If you ask anyone who was at the 2007 GHSA Championship game on 12/14/07, they'll tell you that Chris Johnson was on the bus, in the locker room, on the sideline and on the field that Friday night. He was the motivation for everything the Eagles did this season. You can't look very far without seeing his impact. Northside wears his "No. 96" on its jerseys. The final pregame banner had a picture Chris on it, which the Eagles ran around rather than through. They carried a framed photograph of Chris with them to the field. His father Ovie wore his No. 96 on the sideline the last two weeks of the season, and in a heart-warming moment, all 5,000 Northside fans in attendance raised No. 96 placards after the third quarter and cheered as his team brought home the State Championship. In January, 2008 Chris' Dad accepted his "second" Georgia State Championship ring on Chris' behalf. Chris, you'll always be right here with us...our 12th man on the field!

"Quarters for Chris" is now an annual event to raise money for the "Chris Johnson Memorial Scholarship," given annually to a student from his Alma Mater, Northside High School.